System and method for securing cover over retention pond using negative pressure

ABSTRACT

A system comprises a negative-pressure apparatus comprising one or more fans, at least one manifold pipe coupled to the fan, and one or more a suction pipes coupled to and extending from the manifold pipe down a wall of the retention pond, each suction pipes including one or more structures for drawing air into an interior of the suction pipe. A flexible cover is positionable over at least a portion of the suction pipes and over at least a portion of a material in the retention pond. The fans draw air from the suction pipe interiors through the manifold pipe to create a negative pressure at the wall proximate to each suction pipe to hold the flexible cover to the wall when the one or more fans are activated.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/185,285, titled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SECURING COVER OVER RETENTION POND USING NEGATIVE PRESSURE,” flied on Jun. 26, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference as if reproduced herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Water retention ponds are well known. In certain commercial applications, such as in the case of water retention ponds that store water for use in fracking, it is desirable to mitigate evaporation of the water present in the pond. Evaporation can be a difficult issue to address, especially in warmer climates. As such, it has been a practice to position covers over the surface of retention ponds to maintain water levels, for example at high temperatures. In other applications, it is desirable to provide covers over holding ponds that house odorous materials in order to mitigate escape of odor into the area surrounding the retention pond.

Pond covers that have been previously utilized may be fixed covers or floating covers. Systems have been created that address sealing the edges of the cover such that the cover will not be displaced or unanchored.

SUMMARY

The present inventors have recognized, among other things, that a problem to be solved includes the management of slack areas of floating covers, particularly floating covers used to cover retention ponds. While surface tension generally keeps most of a floating cover in contact with the surface of the material in the retention pond (e.g., liquid) relatively static, slackened portions of the cover often come out of contact with the material in the retention pond. These slackened portions are susceptible to being whipped away from the pond surface, sometimes violently, in high wind conditions. This can lead to tears in the cover or separation of the cover from the retention pond. Systems have been created that allow for sealing of the edges of the cover, but this does not address the slackened portions of the cover adjacent to a wall of the retention pond. The present subject matter can help provide a solution to this problem by providing a system that includes a cover and a negative pressure apparatus that holds the cover to a wall of the retention pond when the apparatus is activated.

The present solution includes a system to cover a retention pond. In some examples, the system includes a negative-pressure apparatus that includes one or more fans, at least one manifold pipe coupled to the one or more fans, and one or more suction pipes extending from the manifold pipe. The one or more suction pipes extend down a wall of the retention pond, and includes one or more structures for drawing air into an interior of the suction pipe. The system further includes a flexible cover that is positionable over a material in the retention pond and at least a portion of the one or more suction pipes. The one or more fans draw air from the one or more suction pipes through the at least one manifold pipe to create a negative pressure that holds the flexible cover to the wall of the retention pond when the one or more fans are activated.

The present solution also includes a method of covering a retention pond. The method includes providing or receiving at least one negative-pressure apparatus comprising one or more fans, at least one manifold pipe coupled to the one or more fans, and one or more suction pipes coupled to and extending from the at least one manifold pipe down a wall of a retention pond. The method further includes positioning a flexible cover over a material in the retention pond and at least a portion of the one or more suction pipes and activating the one or more fans to create a negative pressure under the flexible cover and draw the flexible cover at least to a portion of the wall proximate to the one or more suction pipes

This overview is intended to provide an overview of subject matter of the present patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. The detailed description is included to provide further information about the present patent application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

FIG. 1 is a close side perspective view of an example system for securing a cover over a retention pond.

FIG. 2 is an overhead perspective view of the example system of FIG. 1 for securing the cover over the retention pond.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another example system for securing a cover over a retention pond.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an example method for securing a cover over a retention pond.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrates a system 100 configured to securely cover a retention pond 10 according to the present description. As discussed herein, in an example, the system 100 is used to mitigate evaporation of material that is being held in the retention pond 10, also referred to herein as “pond material,” by creating a seal around the retention pond 10, and in some examples a tight seal. In some examples, the pond material includes liquid or semi-liquids or solids including water, manure, farm runoff, wastewater, or combinations thereof. In an example, the system 100 includes a negative-pressure apparatus 101. The negative-pressure apparatus 101 includes one or more fans 102 (e.g., any air blowing or pumping apparatus) and at least one manifold pipe 104. The at least one manifold pipe 104 is coupled to the one or more fans 102 such that when the one or more fans 102 are activated, the one or more trans 102 draw air through the at least one manifold pipe 104.

The negative-pressure apparatus 101 also includes one or more suction pipes 106 coupled to and extending from the at least one manifold pipe 104. In an example, one or more of, and in some examples each of, the one or more suction pipes 106 extend transversely from the at least one manifold pipe 104. In an example, each suction pipe 106 extends generally downward from the manifold pipe 104, for example along a wall 108 of the retention pond 10. In some examples, the wall 108 is a sloped wall 108, also referred to herein as the slope 108. When air is drawn through the manifold pipe 104 by the fan 102, air is drawn from the suction pipe 106, creating a negative pressure suction force around the suction pipe 106 that can draw nearby objects toward the suction pipe 106, such as a cover 110 that is placed over the retention pond 10. In an example, each of the suction pipes 106 includes one or more structures that allow air to be drawn into an interior of the suction pipe 106 to create the negative pressure between the cover 110 and the wall 108. In an example, the structure to draw the air into the interior of the suction pipe 106 comprises a plurality of apertures or perforations 111 through a wall of the suction pipe 106 (shown in the close-up inset of FIG. 1) through which air or other material can be drawn to create the negative-pressure suction force. In an example, the apertures in the suction pipe 106 are perforations in the wall of the suction pipe 106. In an example, when the fan 102 is activated, air is drawn through the manifold pipe 104 and the suction pipe 106, and through the apertures of the suction pipe 106 creating negative pressure and drawing nearby objects towards the pipe. In an embodiment, a non-woven material can surrounds the suction pipe 106. In an example, the non-woven material surrounding the suction pipe 106 can be made from a semi-permeable material such that it allows for the suction of air through the apertures, but prevents debris from entering the suction pipe 106.

The system 100 further includes a cover 110 that is placed over the retention pond 10. In an example, the cover 110 is at least partially flexible or includes portions that are flexible, e.g., portions that are made at least partially from a flexible material. As such, the cover 110 will, at times, be referred to herein as “the flexible cover 110.” The flexible cover 110 is capable of being positioned over a top surface of a material 113 in the retention pond 10 and over at least a portion of each of the suction pipes 106. In one example, the flexible cover 110 acts to mitigate evaporation of liquid material 113 from the retention pond. When the fan 102 is activated and draws air through the manifold pipe 104 and the suction pipe 106, negative pressure is created. The negative pressure holds the flexible cover 110 snug to portions of the sloped wall 108 of the retention pond 10 when the system is activated. This prevents a loose seal and billowing of the flexible cover 110 along the slope 108 of the retention pond 10, thereby preventing tearing of the flexible cover 110. The fan 102 is generally placed on a first side 112 of a retention pond. In an example, the manifold pipe 104 runs generally parallel to an edge 105 of the retention pond 10 along the side 112. It may additionally be desirable to create negative pressure at the edges of flexible cover 110. Therefore, in an example, the manifold pipe 104 also includes one or more structures for allowing airflow into an interior the manifold pipe 104, such as apertures or perforations in its surface or wall similar or identical to the apertures or perforations 111 in the suction pipes 106, to draw the flexible cover 110 snugly to the manifold pipe 104. This may aid in preventing wind from dislodging the flexible cover 110 from its position. In such an embodiment, the flexible cover 110 is positioned over at least a portion of the manifold pipe 104 (as illustrated in FIG. 1). Negative pressure applied to the flexible cover 110 through the manifold pipe 104 aids in creating a seal of the edge of the flexible cover 110 to or near the side of the retention pond 10 or berm, or o the slope 108 (generally near the top of the slope) surrounding the retention pond 10.

The cover 110 can be made of any number of appropriate materials. As noted above, in some examples the cover 110 is at least partially flexible or includes one or more flexible portions. In an example, at least the flexible portions of the cover 110 are made of a polyethylene that includes polymer reinforcement. In some examples, it may be desirable that the cover 110 be made from a material that is relatively inexpensive. The flexible cover 110 can be configured to cover very large retention ponds, for example, a retention pond 10 that are up to 700 feet wide by 700 feet long (or, e.g., ponds that have a length of at least 100 feet, at least 200 feet, at least 300 feet, at least 400 feet, at least 500 feet, at least 600 feet, or at least 700 feet and a width of at least 100 feet, at least 200 feet, at least 300 feet, at least 400 feet, at least 500 feet, at least 600 feet, or at least 700 feet, for example a 100 foot×100 foot pond, a 200 foot×200 foot pond, a 300 foot×300 foot pond, a 400 foot×400 foot pond, and so on). In some examples, the retention pond 10 can have a generally square shape, a generally rectangular shape, a generally circular shape, a generally ovular shape, or other regular or irregular shapes, and the flexible cover 110 can be shaped with a corresponding substantially matching shape to appropriately fit over the retention pond 10. For example, if the retention pond 10 has a generally square shape, then the cover 110 can also have a substantially matching generally square shape, or if the retention pond 10 has an oblong oval shape, the cover 110 can have a substantially matching oblong oval shape. In certain examples, the surface area of the cover 110 is at least 40,000 ft.², such as at least 90,000 ft.², for example at least 160,000 ft.², such as at least 250,000 ft.², or potentially at least 500,000 ft². FIG. 2 illustrates that, in an example, the flexible cover 110 can include a central portion 114 that is generally positioned over the pond material and one or more side portions 116 that are generally positioned over side slopes 108 of the retention pond 10 (best seen in FIG. 1). In an example, the side portions 116 include a void or voids 118 that are positioned between adjacent side portions 116, for example at the corners of the retention pond 10. In an example, the voids 118 prevent slack buildup of the flexible cover 110 when the negative-pressure apparatus 101 is activated. In an example, the voids 118 are generally square shaped or generally rectangular shaped, such as in the example figure. However, other void shapes may be used as well. In an example, the voids 118 are employed where the flexible cover 110 is of a shape having corners where it has been found slack is likely to be created. In some examples, the voids 118 may not be necessary and thus not present with the cover 110, e.g., where the flexible cover 110 is circular.

FIG. 2 further illustrates that the negative-pressure apparatus 101 can include a plurality of fans 102, where each fan 102 is coupled to a first the manifold pipe 104. In an example, the system 100 includes a second negative-pressure apparatus 121. In an example, the second negative-pressure apparatus 121 includes substantially the same configuration as the first negative-pressure apparatus 101. For example, the second negative-pressure apparatus 121 can comprise one or more second fans 122, at least one second manifold pipe 124 coupled to the one or more second fans 122, and one or more second suction pipes 126 coupled to and extending from the at least one second manifold pipe 124. In an example, one or more of, and in some examples all of, the second suction pipes 126 extend generally transverse from at least one second manifold pipe 124. In an example, each second suction pipe. 126 is configured to extend down a wall 108 of the retention pond 10, such as a sloped wall 108 (also referred to herein as a slope 108), in a similar fashion to the first suction pipes 106. In an example, the second manifold pipe 124 is configured to run generally parallel to a second edge 125 of the retention pond 10. For example, if the retention pond 10 is generally square or rectangular shaped, the second edge 125 can be substantially perpendicular to the first edge 105 that the first negative-pressure apparatus 101 and the first manifold pipe 104 run along. In an example, each of the one or more second suction pipes 126 include one or more second structures to draw air into interiors of the suction pipes 126, such as one or more apertures or perforations which can be similar or identical to the apertures or perforations 111 in the first suction pipes 106 shown in FIG. 1.

In an example, the first negative-pressure apparatus 101 and the second negative-pressure apparatus 121 are independent apparatuses wherein air drawn through the one or more fans 102 of the first negative-pressure apparatus 101 do not draw air from the second manifold pipe 124 or the second suction pipe 126 of the second negative-pressure apparatus 121. Similarly, when the first and second apparatuses 101, 121 are independent, the one or more second fans 122 of the second negative-pressure apparatus 121 do not draw air through the first manifold pipe 104 or the first suction pipes 106 of the first negative-pressure apparatus 121. In an example, independence of the negative-pressure apparatuses 101, 121 along the separate edges 105, 125 can make a high negative pressure along either edge 105, 125 of the retention pond 110 more likely, as opposed to a system in which one or more common fans are attempting to create negative pressure on all sides of a retention pond through a single interconnected pipe system.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the system 100 can include one or both of a third negative-pressure apparatus 131 along a third edge 135 of the retention pond 10 and a fourth negative-pressure apparatus 141 along a fourth edge 145 of the retention pond 10, such as when the retention pond 10 has four sides. In an example, the third negative-pressure apparatus 131 and the fourth negative-pressure apparatus 141 each includes components similar or identical to those found in the first negative-pressure apparatus 101 and the second negative-pressure apparatus 121, such as one or more manifold pipes and one or more suction pipes for each negative-pressure apparatus 131, 141. The third and fourth negative-pressure apparatuses 131, 141 can generally be operated in the same manner as described above with respect to the first and second negative-pressure apparatuses 101, 121. In an example, the third and fourth negative-pressure apparatuses 131, 141 are independent, both from each other and from each of the first and second negative-pressure apparatuses 101, 121. In other words, one or more fans 132 of the third negative-pressure apparatus 131 do not draw air through pipes of any of the first, second, and fourth negative-pressure apparatuses 101, 121, or 141. Similarly, one or more fans 142 of the fourth negative-pressure apparatus 141 do not draw air through pipes of any of the first, second, and third negative-pressure apparatuses 101, 121, or 141. Also, neither the one or more first fans 102 or the one or more second fans 122 draw any air through pipes of the third or fourth negative-pressure apparatuses 131, 141.

Any other appropriate number of negative-pressure apparatuses can be included in the system 100 to achieve the desired goal of securing the cover 110 over the retention pond 10, depending on the shape or size of the retention pond 10 or the cover 110.

In an example, one or more of the pipes, such as the manifold pipes 104, 124 and the suction pipes 106, 126 are formed from a rigid or flexible material including lightweight tubes, such as plastic drainage tile tubes or hoses with apertures. In an example, the one or more manifold pipes 104, 124 are formed from a rigid material and the one or more suction pipes 106, 126 are formed from a flexible material, or at least a material that is more flexible than the rigid material of the one or more manifold pipes 104, 124. In an example where the one or more structures that provide for the drawing of air into an interior of a suction pipe 106, 126 and/or a manifold pipe 104, 124 are perforations or apertures in the pipe 104, 106, 124, or 126, the perforations or apertures may be evenly spaced around an exterior of the pipe 104, 106, 124, or 126. In an example, perforations or apertures can form a pattern around a perimeter of the pipe 104, 106, 124, or 126 (e.g., a six-hole or an eight-hole pattern) that is present at various distances along the length of the pipe 104, 106, 124, or 126. In an example, the perforations or apertures can be selectively placed solely on a portion of the pipe 104, 106, 124, or 126 that will ultimately face the flexible cover 110. Each of the pipes 104, 106, 124, 126 can be round. In an example, one or more of the pipes 104, 106, 124, 126 can be relatively flat in order to increase a surface area of the pipe 104, 106, 124, or 126 that is in contact with the flexible cover 110.

Any of the negative-pressure apparatuses (e.g., apparatuses 101, 121, 131, 141, or 154) described herein can include more than one suction pipe, such as a plurality of suction pipes spaced along at least a portion of the retention pond 10 (e.g., the plurality of second suction pipes 126 that are used in the second negative-pressure apparatus 121). The plurality of suction pipes 106, 126 can provide for the application of negative pressure at various positions along the slope 108 of the retention pond 10. In an example, each suction pipe 106, 126 of a particular negative-pressure apparatus 101, 121 is coupled to and extends from a common manifold pipe 104, 124. In some examples, each suction pipe 106, 126 extends transversely from the common manifold pipe 104, 124 for that particular negative-pressure apparatus 101, 121. In an example, the plurality of suction pipes 106, 126 are generally spaced from one another at a distance to prevent or reduce the chances of intermittent portions of the flexible cover 110 not directly experiencing negative pressure from lifting off of the slope 108 to an unacceptable height. Also, in an example, generally at least one suction pipe 106, 126 will be spaced proximate the edge of the flexible cover 110 to prevent or reduce the chances of the edge of the flexible cover 110 being lifted off by the wind. In an example, each of the one or more suction pipes 106, 126 are of a sufficient length that at least a portion of one or more of the suction pipes 106, 126 extend down the slope 108 and proximate to or even into the pond material, which can maximize the probability that the negative pressure is applied to the flexible cover 110 down the entirety or substantially the entirety of the slope 108 to a top surface edge of the pond material. In an example, the bottom end of the suction pipes 106, 126 can be spaced a sufficient distance from the pond material. For example, the suction pipes 106, 126 can extend to a bottom end of the voids 118, or may extend short of or beyond the end of the voids 118 depending on the application. In an example, the suction pipes 106, 126 are telescoping so that a length of one or more of the suction pipes 106, 126 can be adjustable to accommodate different depths of the pond material.

FIG. 3 illustrates another example system 150 for securing a cover 152 to a retention pond 10. In an example, the example system 150 includes one or more negative-pressure apparatuses 154. Each negative-pressure apparatus 154 can be substantially the same as each of the negative-pressure apparatuses 101, 121, 131, and 141 described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. The cover 152 of the system 150 is similar to the cover 110 of the system 100 in that it is at least partially flexible or includes one or more flexible portions, referred to as the flexible cover 152″ for brevity. In an example, shown in FIG. 3, the flexible cover 152 includes one or more elongated porous strips 156. Each elongated porous strip 156 connects two non-porous portions 158 of the flexible cover 110. In an example, the one or more elongated porous strips 156 enable drainage of liquid that may have pooled on top of the flexible cover 152 into the retention pond 10. In an example where the flexible cover 152 is being used to cover a potentially odorous pond material, such as when the retention pond 10 is for holding or treating manure or wastewater, it may be desirable to omit the elongated porous strips 156 (as in the system 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2) in order to avoid rainwater mixing with the pond material beneath the flexible cover 152. In an example, the one or more porous strips 156 are formed from a separate material than the non-porous portions 158 of the flexible cover 152. In another example, the one or more porous strips 156 are formed integrally with the non-porous portions 158. In an example, in addition to or in place of the one or more porous strips 156, one or more porous strips can be provided along one or more sidewall portions of the floating cover 152, for example near the bottom of voids (similar to the voids 118 in the cover 110 described above), or extending lengthwise between voids. In an example, the one or more porous strips 156 (or those along the sidewall portions) is a porous polyethylene knitted cloth, such as of the type used to cover greenhouses.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an example method 200 of covering a retention pond. The method 200 includes, at 202, providing or receiving at least one negative-pressure apparatus that includes one or more fans, at least one manifold pipe coupled to the one or more fans, and one or more suction pipes coupled to and extending generally transversely from the at least one manifold pipe down a wall of the retention pond. As discussed in more detail above, each of the one or more suction pipes can include one or more structures for drawing air into an interior of the suction pipe, such as one or more apertures or perforations in a wall of the suction pipe or at least a portion of the suction pipe being made from an air-permeable membrane. At 204, the method 200 includes positioning a flexible cover over the retention pond and over at least a portion of the one or more suction pipes of the negative-pressure apparatus. The method 200 further includes, at 206, activating the one of more fans to create a negative pressure under the flexible cover and draw the flexible cover at least to the wall of the retention pond proximate to each of the one or more suction pipes. In an example, the negative pressure is created by the fan drawing from the at least one manifold pipe, which in turn draws air from the interiors of the one or more suction pipes, for example through the one or more structures for drawing air into the interiors of the one or more suction pipes, such as the apertures or perforations in the walls of the one or more suction pipes. The at least one manifold pipe can also include one or more structures for drawing air into an interior of the at least one manifold pipe, such as apertures or perforations in the at least one manifold pipe or an air-permeable membrane in the at least one manifold pipe.

In an example, providing or receiving the at least negative-pressure apparatus (202) includes providing or receiving a first negative-pressure apparatus for positioning along a first portion of the retention pond, such as along a first edge of a square or rectangular retention pond, and providing or receiving a second negative-pressure apparatus for positioning along a second portion of the retention pond, such as along a second edge of the square or rectangular retention pond. In an example, the first negative-pressure apparatus comprise one or more first fans, at least one first manifold pipe coupled to the one or more first fans, and one or more first suction pipes coupled to and extending from the at least one first manifold pipe down a first portion of a slope of the retention pond. In an example, the second negative-pressure apparatus comprise one or more second fans, at least one second manifold pipe coupled to the one or more second fans, and one or more second suction pipes coupled to and extending from the at least one second manifold pipe down a second portion of a slope of the retention pond. In an example, the first negative-pressure apparatus is independent of the second negative-pressure apparatus, such that the one or more first fans do not create negative pressure through the at least one second manifold pipe and one or more second suction pipes and the one or more second fans do not create negative pressure through the at least one first manifold pipe and the one or more first suction pipes.

In an example, the method 200 also optionally includes, at 208, draining a liquid from on top of the flexible cover and into the retention pond. In an example, draining the liquid from on top of the flexible cover can be through one or more porous strips of material in the flexible cover, such as the one or more porous strips 156 described above with respect to FIG. 3.

Various Notes & Examples

EXAMPLE 1 can include a system to cover a retention pond. The system includes a first negative-pressure apparatus and a flexible cover. The first negative-pressure apparatus includes one or more first fans, at least one first manifold pipe coupled to the one or more first fans, and one or more first suction pipes that are coupled to and extend from the at least one first manifold pipe down a slope of the retention pond. Each of the one or more first suction pipes includes one or more first structures for drawing air into a first interior of the first suction pipe. The flexible cover is positionable over the one or more first suction pipes and over a surface of a material in the retention pond. The one or more first fans draw air from the first interiors of the one or more first suction pipes through the at least one first manifold pipe to create a negative pressure at the slope proximate to each of the one or more first suction pipes to hold the flexible cover to the slope proximate to each of the one or more first suction pipes when the one or more first fans are activated.

EXAMPLE 2 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of EXAMPLE 1, to optionally include that the one or more first fans are placed on a first side of the retention pond and the at least one first manifold pipe extends generally parallel to a first edge of the retention pond at the first side.

EXAMPLE 3 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of EXAMPLES 1 or 2 to optionally include the one or more first structures for drawing air into the first interior comprising one or more first apertures in walls of the one or more first suction pipes.

EXAMPLE 4 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of EXAMPLE 3, wherein the one or more first apertures of the one or more first suction pipes are a plurality of first perforations in first outer surfaces of the one or more first suction pipes.

EXAMPLE 5 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of EXAMPLES 14 to optionally include a manifold pipe having perforations in its surface.

EXAMPLE 6 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of EXAMPLES 1-5 to optionally include the cover being made, at least in part, of polyethylene with polyester reinforcement.

EXAMPLE 7 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of EXAMPLES 1-6 to optionally include the cover having a central portion generally positionable over material in the retention pond and one or more side portions generally positionable over the sloped of the retention pond.

EXAMPLE 8 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of EXAMPLE 7, to optionally include the cover including one or more voids between adjacent side portions to prevent slack buildup when the one or more first fans are activated.

EXAMPLE 9 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of EXAMPLES 1-8 to optionally include the first negative-pressure apparatus comprising a plurality of first fans, each first fan being coupled to the first manifold pipe.

EXAMPLE 10 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of EXAMPLES 1-9 to optionally include a non-woven material positioned around at least one of the one or more first suction pipes.

EXAMPLE 11 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of EXAMPLES 1-10 to optionally include a second negative-pressure apparatus that includes one or more second fans, at least one second manifold pipe coupled to the one or more second fans, and one or more second suction pipes coupled to and extending from the at least one second manifold pipe down the slope of the retention pond.

EXAMPLE 12 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of EXAMPLE 11 to optionally include the at least one second manifold pipe that extending generally parallel to a second edge of the retention pond.

EXAMPLE 13 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of EXAMPLES 11 or 12 to optionally include the second negative-pressure apparatus being independent of the first negative-pressure apparatus,

EXAMPLE 14 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of EXAMPLES 1-13 to optionally include the cover being positioned over one or both of the at least one first manifold pipe or the at least one second manifold pipe.

EXAMPLE 15 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of EXAMPLES 1-14 to optionally include the negative pressure applied to the flexible cover through one or both of the at least one first manifold pipe and the at least one second manifold pipe generally seals an edge of the flexible cover to the slope of the retention pond.

EXAMPLE 16 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of EXAMPLES 1-15 to optionally include the flexible cover including at least one elongated porous strip that connects two non-porous portions of the flexible cover.

EXAMPLE 17 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of EXAMPLE 16 to optionally include the elongated porous strip enabling drainage of liquid from on top of the flexible cover into the retention pond.

EXAMPLE 18 can include a method that can optionally include the subject matter of one or any combination of EXAMPLES 1-17. The method includes providing or receiving a first negative-pressure apparatus that includes one or more first fans, at least one first manifold pipe coupled to the one or more first fans, and one or more first suction pipes coupled to and extending from the at least one first manifold pipe down a slope of a retention pond. The method further includes positioning a flexible cover over the retention pond and at least a portion of the one or more first suction pipes and activating the one or more fans to create a negative pressure under the flexible cover and draw the flexible cover at least to a first portion of the slope of the retention pond proximate to the one or more first suction pipes.

EXAMPLE 19 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of EXAMPLE 18 to optionally include draining liquid from on top of the flexible cover into the retention pond.

EXAMPLE 20 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of EXAMPLES 18 or 19 to optionally include placing the first negative-pressure apparatus at a first portion of an edge of the retention pond, the method further including providing or receiving a second negative-pressure apparatus comprising one or more second fans, at least one second manifold pipe coupled to the one or more second fans, and one or more second suction pipes coupled to and extending from the at least one second manifold pipe down the slope of a retention pond at a second portion of the edge of the retention pond.

EXAMPLE 21 can include, or can optionally be combined with, the subject matter of EXAMPLE 20, to optionally include the positioning of the flexible cover including positioning the flexible cover over at least a portion of the one or more second suction pipes.

EXAMPLE 22 can include, or can optionally be combined with, the subject matter of one or any combination of EXAMPLES 20 or 21, to optionally include activating the one or more second fans to create negative pressure under the flexible cover and draw the flexible cover at least to a second portion of the slope of the retention pond proximate to the one or more second suction pipes.

EXAMPLE 23 can include, or can optionally be combined with, the subject matter of one or any combination of EXAMPLES 20-22, to optionally include the first negative-pressure apparatus being independent from the second negative-pressure apparatus, such that the one or more second fans do not create negative pressure through the at least one first manifold pipe and the one or more first suction pipes.

EXAMPLE 24 can include, or can optionally be combined with, the subject matter of one or any combination of EXAMPLES 20-23, to optionally include the second negative-pressure apparatus being independent from the first negative-pressure apparatus, such that the one or more first fans do not create negative pressure through the at least one second manifold pipe and the one or more second suction pipes.

EXAMPLE 25 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of EXAMPLES 18-24 to optionally include negative pressure being created by the one or more first fans drawing air through one or more first structures of the one or more first suction pipes.

EXAMPLE 26 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of EXAMPLE 25, to optionally include the one or more first structures comprising one or more first apertures or first perforations in walls of the one or more first suction pipes.

EXAMPLE 27 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of EXAMPLES 18-26, to optionally include negative pressure being created by the one or more second fans drawing air through one or more second structures of the one or more second suction pipes.

EXAMPLE 28 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of EXAMPLE 27, to optionally include the one or more second structures comprising one or more second apertures or second perforations in walls of the one or more second suction pipes.

Each of these non-limiting EXAMPLES can stand on its own, or can be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of the other EXAMPLES.

The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.

In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 §1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed. Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 

The claimed invention is:
 1. A system to cover a retention pond, the system comprising: a negative-pressure apparatus comprising one or more fans, at least one manifold pipe coupled to the one or more fans, and one or more a suction pipes coupled to and extending from the at least one manifold pipe down a wall of the retention pond, each of the one or more suction pipes including one or more structures for drawing air into an interior of the suction pipe; and a flexible cover positionable over the one or more suction pipes and over a material in the retention pond, wherein the one or more fans draw air from the interiors of the one or more suction pipes through the at least one manifold pipe to create a negative pressure at the wall proximate to each of the one or more suction pipes to hold the flexible cover to the wall proximate to each of the one or more suction pipes when the one or more fans are activated.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more fans are placed on a first side of the retention pond, and the at least one manifold pipe extends generally parallel to an edge of the retention pond.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more structures for drawing air into the interior of each suction pipe includes one or more apertures in a wall of the suction pipe.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the at least one manifold pipe comprises one or more second structures for drawing air into an interior of the at least one manifold pipe.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the flexible cover comprises polyethylene with a polyester reinforcement.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the flexible cover includes a central portion generally positionable over the material in the retention pond and one or more side portions generally positionable over the wall of the retention pond, wherein the one or more side portions include at least one void between adjacent side portions to prevent slack buildup when the one or more fans are activated.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the negative-pressure apparatus comprises a plurality of fans, each of the plurality of fans coupled to the at least one manifold pipe.
 8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a non-woven material positioned around one or more of the suction pipes.
 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a second negative-pressure apparatus comprising one or more second fans, at least one second manifold pipe coupled to the one or more second fans, and one or more second suction pipes coupled to and extending from the at least one second manifold pipe down the wall of the retention pond.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one first manifold pipe extends generally parallel to a first portion of an edge of the retention pond and the second manifold pipe extends generally parallel to a second portion of the edge of the retention pond.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the flexible cover comprises at least one elongated porous strip connecting two non-porous portions of the flexible cover, wherein the at least one elongated porous strip enables drainage of liquid from on top of the flexible cover into the retention pond.
 12. A method for covering a retention pond, comprising: providing or receiving at least one negative-pressure apparatus comprising one or more fans, at least one manifold pipe coupled to the one or more fans, and one or more suction pipes coupled to and extending from the at least one manifold pipe down a wan of a retention pond, positioning a flexible cover over a material in the retention pond and at least a portion of the one or more suction pipes of the negative-pressure apparatus, and activating the one or more fans to create a negative pressure under the flexible cover and draw the flexible cover at least to a portion of the wall of the retention pond proximate to the one or more suction pipes.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising draining liquid from on top of the flexible cover into the retention pond.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein providing or receiving the at least one negative-pressure apparatus comprise providing or receiving at least two negative-pressure apparatuses, each positioning on a differing portion of an edge of the retention pond.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein each of the at least two negative-pressure apparatuses are independent of each of the others of the at least two negative-pressure apparatuses.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the negative pressure is created by the one or more fans drawing air through one or more structures in each of the one or more suction pipe and the at least one manifold pipe.
 17. A system to securely cover a retention pond, the system comprising: a first negative-pressure apparatus comprising one or more first fans and at least, one first manifold pipe coupled to the one or more first fans, wherein the at least one the manifold pipe comprises one or more first structures for drawing air into the at least one first manifold pipe; a second negative-pressure apparatus comprising one or more second fans and at least one second manifold pipe coupled to the one or more second fans, wherein the at least one second manifold pipe comprises one or more second structures for drawing air into the at least one second manifold pipe; and a flexible cover positioned over a material in the retention pond, at least a portion of the at least one first manifold pipe, and at least a portion of the at least one second manifold pipe, wherein the one or more first fans draw air through the at least one first manifold pipe and the one or more second fans draw air through the at least one second manifold pipe to create a negative pressure that holds the flexible cover to portions of a wall of the retention pond when the one or more first fans and the one or more second fans are activated.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the first negative-pressure apparatus further comprises one or more first suction pipes coupled to and extending from the at least one first manifold pipe down a first portion of the wall and the second negative-pressure apparatus comprises one or more second suction pipes coupled to and extending from the at least one second manifold pipe down a second portion of the wall.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein each of the one or more first suctions pipes includes one or more apertures or perforations for drawing air into the one or more first suction pipes when the one or more first fans are activated.
 20. The system of claim 18, wherein each of the one or more second suction pipes includes one or more apertures or perforations for drawing air into the one or more second suction pipes when the one or more second fans are activated. 